"My father approached every building project with open hands, ensuring the deal worked for everyone involved," said Ashlee Tupy Rickert, reflecting on her father Garry's decades-long career in real estate and construction. "He always said he wanted to leave everything better than he found it—and that philosophy extended from individual homes to entire communities."
This principle has guided Garry Tupy throughout his remarkable journey from a young real estate agent to becoming one of the most respected developers in Scott County, Minnesota, and now bringing his expertise to Haven Development, LLC.
Garry's story begins with a gift that would shape generations. As a young man starting a family, Garry received a unique opportunity from his father—the chance to earn his real estate license.
"He started with basically nothing," Ashlee recalls. "Just a young guy with a growing family and a real estate license. But he built something significant from those humble beginnings—not just a career, but a legacy of integrity in the industry."
Starting as an agent and broker in the 1980s, Garry quickly established himself in the Prior Lake area. By the early 1990s, he had transitioned into land development, where his innovative thinking began to shine. One of his most notable early achievements was the creation of "Streets of Reality"—a revolutionary concept that brought multiple builders together in a single development to showcase their homes.
"This was different from the scattered Parade of Homes model we currently see in the industry," Ashlee explains. "By gathering builders in one location, my father created a more convenient experience for potential homebuyers while simultaneously expanding his network within the industry."
In 1994, Garry's career evolved again when he founded JB Woodfitter and Associates, a custom home building company that constructed homes on the lots he developed. For over 25 years, JB Woodfitter earned a sterling reputation for quality construction and ethical business practices.
What made building a home with Garry Tupy special? According to his family, it was his personal investment in each project: "He connected with clients on a deeper level, truly cared about their vision, and was physically present on job sites daily. He approached each project creatively, with unwavering integrity, and was personally invested in ensuring client satisfaction."
This approach created a ripple effect of satisfied homeowners who frequently referred friends and family members to Garry. Many families in the Prior Lake area live in homes that Garry either built or developed the land for, creating a lasting physical legacy in the community.
Garry's commitment to his community extended far beyond profitable development. As a long-term member of the Knights of Columbus in Elko New Market, MN, he leveraged his construction expertise for philanthropic purposes. In one particularly moving project, Garry coordinated with subcontractors who donated time and materials to build and sell homes, with proceeds funding community initiatives—including a specially designed home for a quadriplegic resident.
His civic engagement also included years of service on the planning commission and city council of Elko New Market, where he helped shape the community's development with the same care he brought to individual building projects.
The Tupy family's roots in Prior Lake run deep. Garry's parents owned the Hairmate, a beloved business in downtown Prior Lake for many years, and his father founded P.L.A.Y., an organization that created recreational sports opportunities for local youth. This multi-generational commitment to the area underscores why Garry's developments have always emphasized community-building alongside quality construction.
Throughout his career, Garry has maintained a philosophy of empowerment—whether working with clients, subcontractors, or family members entering the industry. This approach fostered remarkable loyalty, with many subcontractors working exclusively with Garry for decades, even during challenging economic times.
"My father equipped me with the skills and confidence to succeed as a woman in the building industry," Ashlee shares. "The tagline we later created for Moderno Construction Management—'empowering our clients to build their dreams'—really captures the essence of his approach throughout his career."
Today, Garry brings his wealth of experience to Haven, where he continues to apply his expertise in new ways. His current work includes residential development, specializing in acreage, land acquisition for commercial real estate, managing truck stores nationwide, and consulting on commercial construction projects.
Drawing on his extensive background in rural residential land development in Scott County—where he was recognized as a top developer—Garry now travels to find suitable land for clients and manages maintenance issues for commercial locations across the country.
His specialized focus remains on unique and complex properties, offering innovative solutions for challenging real estate needs.
The story of Garry Tupy is, in many ways, a quintessential American dream narrative—a man who started with little more than opportunity and determination, built a successful career through integrity and innovation, and used his success to strengthen his community and empower others.
As Garry continues to apply his decades of expertise through Haven Development, LLC his influence extends beyond the buildings and developments he's created to the people he's mentored and the communities he's helped shape.
For those seeking a consultant who combines extensive experience with unwavering integrity, Garry Tupy's proven track record speaks for itself—and the many families living in homes he developed or built continue to be his most powerful testimonial.
